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Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Gylfi Sigurdsson against Manchester City in the FA Cup this Saturday after the Everton midfielder returned to training following an injury.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, who has noted that the Iceland international rejoined the Toffees’ first team as they prepared at Finch Farm this week.

Sigurdsson was forced to miss his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley last weekend due to an ankle knock he had sustained against Chelsea during the previous Monday’s 2-0 loss.

Burnley marked the first team against which the 31-year-old had failed to feature at any stage since November 28, with minutes awarded in 21 straight matches across all competitions.

Ancelotti sought to address the absence of the former Swansea City playmaker with Alex Iwobi deployed in a central attacking midfield role, having urged the Nigerian to name his preferred position after he seemingly hit out on social media earlier this month.

“I read the post. I want to speak to him, of course,” Ancelotti said, via quotes shared by The Guardian. “I want to know his preferred position because usually I want to put a player on the pitch where they are comfortable to play, not where they are uncomfortable to play.

“If he has an idea of where he prefers to play, I have to know, I want to know. I would be delighted to know his preferred position and I’ll put him in his preferred position for sure, no doubt.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-news-on-everton” title=”Check out the latest news on Everton!”]

However, Iwobi’s return to a central position against Burnley only lasted half an hour before the 24-year-old was moved back out onto the wing, having struggled to deliver any real impact.

Iwobi ended the first half against Burnley with one key pass to his name while Tom Davies and Andre Gomes created two goalscoring opportunities each from the wider central midfield positions in Ancelotti’s plans, per WhoScored.

A move to the wing saw Iwobi create one additional chance after the break, the same output as Richarlison, Gomes, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and three times less than that of left-back Lucas Digne.

News that Sigurdsson is back in training must now see that Ancelotti recalls the £100,000-per-week talent at the first available opportunity, as he will need his most creative options on the pitch if Everton are to secure a result against Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s runaway Premier League leaders are taking more shots per top-flight game this term than any other side, with 15.5 on average, but are also allowing the fewest among all 20 clubs with just seven – almost half of the tally allowed by Everton (13.1), per WhoScored.

The Toffees also rank 16th in the league for shots taken per game with just 9.8 – only Burnley (9.3), Crystal Palace (8.6), Sheffield United (8.4) and West Bromwich Albion (8.2) are testing opposing goalkeepers less frequently.

Part of the problem for Everton this season has been a lack of creativity, with James Rodriguez (1.7), Digne (1.5) and Sigurdsson (1.1) the only players to have averaged more than a single key pass per game.

With Rodriguez still sidelined with a calf injury, Ancelotti will surely have to unleash Sigurdsson from the off and trust in the maestro who Danny Murphy described as being “technically gifted” and what Everton needed for their link-up play earlier in the season.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring a £17m ace dubbed the next Erling Haaland…

Leeds United will not have to face Thiago Silva in their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, acting as a late boost to the Whites.

Marcelo Bielsa side’s host the Blues this weekend, in what has the potential to be an intriguing tactical battle at Elland Road.

Chelsea will pose a huge threat to the Whites, with Thomas Tuchel not yet suffering defeat in 11 matches in charge, taking them up a level after Frank Lampard’s departure.

Leeds will be aiming for a response after their disappointing 2-0 defeat away to West Ham, with Bielsa without Pascal Struijk and Pablo Hernandez due to injury, as reported by The Athletic‘s Phil Hay on Twitter.

Chelsea suffer Silva injury blow

Chelsea have also suffered a major late injury blow, however, with the Yorkshire Evening Post confirming that Silva will miss out at Elland Road after a new issue in his recovery from a previous problem.

The 36-year-old hasn’t featured for the west Londoners since their 1-0 win at Tottenham early last month, but was expected to feature very soon. YEP’s report details the Brazilian has ‘suffered a setback’ in his recovery, and will now not make his return this weekend.

Transfer Tavern take

Silva’s absence means Chelsea look likely to continue with their three-man defence of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

Tuchel’s men haven’t conceded in their last four matches, in all competitions, proving that they are still thriving without the Brazilian legend in the team, but it will certainly make Patrick Bamford and co’s task easier not having to face a player with such experience and leadership qualities.

Silva is described in the report as having a ‘huge impact’ at Stamford Bridge, and so his absence may prove to have an equally large influence on Saturday’s proceedings.

In other news, Paul Robinson has urged Leeds to make a move Odsonne Edouard. Read about it here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has given his thoughts on how his old side can improve.

Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites have impressed this season in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship.

Leeds look all but safe, sitting on 35 points with 12 games to play, while they also boast a strong record in front of goal. In the 26 matches they have played so far, Bielsa’s men have managed to find the back of the net on 43 occasions.

To go that one step further, though, Palmer believes work needs to be done in the next transfer window. He exclusively told FFC:

“The players at Leeds United have done extremely well. But, you know, say if you want to be in the top six next season, it’s a big jump in spend to get to that next level of quality, paying salaries and transfer fees. So that’s the difference.”

If Leeds are to be ambitious next season and try to aim for a European place, then moving for some quality players in the summer is something the club will likely need to consider.

Competition for European qualification has been fierce this campaign, with the likes of West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa all entering the conversation. Should attempting to do battle with these clubs and the rest of the division’s more stronger outfits be something Bielsa has in mind for next term, then dipping into the transfer market will probably be necessary.

Liverpool are continuing to be linked with a move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches ahead of the summer, and the Portuguese could be the ideal long-term heir for Jordan Henderson.

According to reports from Italy, the 23-year-old ‘seems destined’ to join Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer, as he continues to impress with his performances in Ligue 1.

Whilst the young midfielder is perhaps best known by a lot of Premier League fans for his torrid time on loan with Swansea City, Sanches has proved himself an extremely capable player in his time with both Bayern Munich and Lille, whilst also being one of Portugal’s stars of Euro 2016.

This season has seen Sanches has made 10 starts in Ligue 1 and in the games he has started, he has averaged a solid 6.97 rating for his performances, whilst also contributing one goal.

The midfielder has averaged a solid 89.1% pass accuracy in Ligue 1, whilst Henderson has managed an 87.3% pass accuracy in the Premier League.

Both Henderson’s and Sanches’ main strength is their passing, whilst the Portuguese international is also strong when it comes to dribbling, crossing and defensive contribution.

WhoScored (see links above) suggest that both players like to play long balls and play the ball off the ground often, which suggests that Sanches would fit into Liverpool’s style of play well.

Considering Henderson will turn 31 in June, the Reds arguably need to cast their eye towards the future and look at bringing in a long-term replacement for the influential captain, although his impressive fitness levels suggest that he has a few more years at the top at least.

Sanches also scores superbly on the scouting website FBRef, with his chance creation and progressive passing stats particularly impressive.

He was also well thought of during his time at Bayern Munich, with former manager Niko Kovac full of praise for the midfielder in 2018, saying:

“Renato has an exceptionally good technique, very good speed and a great body.

“It’s true that people fly off him left and right – just like they used to do with Lothar Matthaus.”

Therefore, the 23-year-old could certainly prove to be the long-term replacement for Henderson in this Liverpool side, as all the stats suggest that he would fit well into Klopp’s style of play.

AND, in other news… Edwards can rectify January transfer window blunder with summer swoop for 21 y/o centre-back beast

Gareth Crooks believes Tottenham Hotspur should have moved to sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United in January.

Spurs should have made Lingard move

Lingard made the switch to West Ham on loan last month, and has since scored three goals in four games (Transfermarkt) – one of which came against Spurs on Sunday in a 2-1 win.

Crooks included the England international in his BBC Team of the Week, and he suggested Jose Mourinho should have made an approach. He said:

“I find it particularly interesting that it is Moyes who has given Lingard a chance to rejuvenate his career, when it was Spurs who desperately needed him. Lingard is playing out of his skin.”

Hard to agree

Hindsight is a wonderful thing – it is very easy for Crooks to now say that Mourinho should have moved for £9m-valued Lingard (Transfermarkt) when he is impressing at another club. The fact of the matter is, he had managed just four goals since the start of the 2019/20 campaign before leaving Old Trafford for the Hammers on a temporary basis and it looked like his best days were behind him.

Tottenham have their very own Englishman who has fallen on hard times in Dele Alli – the last thing they needed was to bring in another such player. Lingard is doing fantastically well at the London Stadium, and David Moyes deserves credit for that, but it may not have been the case elsewhere.

In other news, Tottenham are said to be interested in this Champions League midfielder.

David Moyes can save West Ham United millions in the January transfer window by unleashing 18-year-old prospect Mipo Odubeko as his Sebastien Haller replacement.

The Hammers are being linked with an array of attacking options following their decision to cash-in on club-record signing Haller for a £25m loss, with claims of a €10m (£9m) move for Stade de Reims’ Boulaye Dia being imminent.

It has also been suggested that the London Stadium outfit are ready to pay €15m (£13.5m) to sign Cadiz CF’s Anthony Lopez, but neither he nor Dia may be needed if Moyes unleashes Odubeko.

And according to 90min, Odubeko may be about to get his chance, with the publication claiming West Ham are ready to see what their academy talent has in store after he made his senior debut in their FA Cup win over Stockport County.

Moyes is understood to want to see more of what Odubeko has to offer before sanctioning any spending in the January market, having seemingly been impressed by the teen gem signed in October 2019 after spending his schoolboy days in the youth set-up at Manchester United.

Academy Manager Ricky Martin praised the capture of the prolific forward, who had scored 35 goals for the junior Red Devils side, believing the Hammers had done well to fight off fierce European competition for the powerful attacker.

“Mipo signing for West Ham is another really positive story for the academy,” he said. “It will naturally take Mipo some time to settle in, but we believe West Ham is the perfect environment for Mipo to flourish and fulfil his undoubted potential.”

Odubeko wasted no time in settling in to scoring in claret and blue following his move to West Ham in 2019, striking nine goals in seven Under 18 games to warrant promotion to the U23s, where he has found the back of the net three times in two appearances.

His record made sure that it was no wonder that Moyes opted to take a closer look during his side’s FA Cup encounter with non-league opposition, and claims that Odubeko will now be given further opportunities to establish himself will surely only be seen as good news at the London Stadium.

Co-owner and Chairman David Sullivan, in particular, will surely be keeping a close eye on developments in the next few days ahead of West Ham’s Premier League meetings with Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, plus the FA Cup fourth-round tie with Doncaster Rovers, as he weighs up the need to spend out on signing a Haller replacement if Moyes may already have his man.

AND in other news: Exclusive: West Ham’s Declan Rice tipped to join Chelsea on one condition.

Whoever gets linked with Leeds in January, it feels hard to believe they’ll actually walk through the door of Elland Road.

Victor Orta prefers to do his business in the summer and not even a campaign in the Premier League will tempt them to do business.

What’s the word?

The Whites have been touted with making a switch for a number of players already this month.

Whether it be Julian Draxler, Diego Costa, Kouadio Kone or Jean-Philippe Mateta, it feels as though Leeds could strengthen in a number of positions.

Though, one area they haven’t exactly looked to improve is out on the flanks. That is until now.

The Daily Mail reported this week that Leeds have discussed the possibility of signing Real Madrid’s versatile Spaniard Lucas Vazquez.

It’s not known whether a move is seriously on the cards but they may have to cough up serious money in terms of salary.

Vazquez currently earns £148k-per-week in Madrid.

Dallas upgrade

This would be a seriously impressive move from Orta if he can pull it off. Vazquez might not be the most eye-catching player at the Bernabeu but he is still a fabulous player, one who could add a great deal to this Leeds side.

Possessing the ability to play as a full-back or further forward on the wing, he is largely similar to a certain Stuart Dallas in terms of their position.

The Northern Irishman has been one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most consistent players over the last 18 months but in Vazquez, they’d land a much more athletic player.

Once described as “fearless” by Spanish outlet Marca, he epitomises that in the final third. The Spaniard leaves a few qualities to be desired defensively, but when he goes forward, he is a radiant ball of energy.

He has completed 23 successful dribbles this season – 1.2 a game – and he’s also managed 1.6 key passes a match. Vazquez’s record in the Champions League has been stellar, providing 2.6 key passes on average.

In comparison to Dallas, they are night and day. Despite providing plenty in an attacking sense, the Leeds man has managed just 0.6 key passes and 0.7 dribbles a game.

You only need to see what Vazquez managed against Celta Vigo last weekend to understand the flair he can bring. The 29-year-old scored and assisted on his way to producing three key passes for Madrid.

The winger is very much underrated, but would surely thrive in Leeds’ possession-based side.

AND in other news, Sell him: Radz will be fuming with £40k-p/w Leeds dud, his “body language is terrible”…

Carlo Ancelotti must get ruthless and sever Jonjoe Kenny’s 14-year association with Everton after being urged to solve a “very apparent” lack of depth in defence.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Ancelotti to delve into the mid-season transfer market to sign new full-backs after witnessing Everton struggle without Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne.

Coleman initially sustained an injury in October’s Merseyside Derby draw with Liverpool that forced his withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad to face England, but provoked his hamstring problem again after returning to action against Manchester United.

Ancelotti’s injury crisis worsened with Digne having to undergo surgery after suffering ankle ligament damage in training last month, which could rule the Frenchman out of action for up to three months.

Digne has provided more assists (4) than any other Everton player in the Premier League thus far this season, while also delivering a higher number of accurate crosses (17) and ranks second to James Rodriguez (23) for key balls (16), per WhoScored.

Ancelotti called on midfielders Alex Iwobi and Tom Davies to slot in at full-back for Saturday’s defeat to Championship title-holders Leeds United, something Robinson is adamant the Italian cannot persist with having urged Everton to spend on their defence this winter.

“Everton need to address the depth of their squad in January,” he said. “We saw against Leeds United that they lack squad depth, it was very apparent.

“The fact that Ancelotti had to play Iwobi at left wing-back and Tom Davies at right wing-back speaks volumes. When Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne are missing, they are significantly weakened. It is something that has to be addressed in January. A stronger squad is needed.”

End of the road for Kenny

Ancelotti favouring Iwobi against Fulham last month would have raised alarm bells over Kenny’s future at Goodison Park, having been overlooked at Craven Cottage despite travelling with the squad to west London.

Davies then featuring in his position for Saturday’s clash with Leeds after Ancelotti stated the Blues product was fit and ready to feature again hammered home the sense that Kenny has reached the end of his road on Merseyside.

The challenging afternoon Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds dealt Davies has now only highlighted Everton’s lack of top-quality depth in full-back, too, leading pundits to urge Ancelotti and Director of Football Marcel Brands to splash the cash this winter to solve a “very apparent” problem.

Ancelotti must certainly get ruthless and end Kenny’s association with Everton if he is to strengthen at full-back as the 23-year-old, who first signed with the Toffees’ academy in 2006, is clearly not the Italian’s favoured option is far from proving himself to be Coleman’s long-term successor.

Roberto Firmino was able to produce a man-of-the-match display in Brazil’s 1-o win against Venezuela on Saturday, with the Liverpool man scoring the only goal of the game to earn Seleção the victory.

The 29-year-old featured on the left of a front three and picked up a 7.6 rating for his display, after scoring the only goal of the encounter in the 67th minute (per SofaScore).

The former Hoffenheim man has come under some criticism in recent weeks for his lack of goals for the Reds, with the pressure on Jurgen Klopp to drop him significantly increased after Diogo Jota’s superb start to life at Anfield.

However, the German manager hit back at the Brazilian’s critics ahead of Liverpool’s game against Manchester City before the international break, suggesting that:

“Who is with us, I don’t have to say one word about Bobby Firmino and how important he was for us, I don’t waste time with that,” he said.

“Who is not with us, I don’t care if they know about it, to be honest.

“He was in so many games the difference-maker without scoring maybe, I’m not sure, but with scoring as well in other games, so I would feel really embarrassed if I had to mention now the qualities of Bobby Firmino.

“I can’t help these people, sorry. If they don’t see it, I cannot help them. That’s how it is.” (per Evening Express)

Despite his other qualities, the 29-year-old has just one goal in eight Premier League appearances for the Reds this season, although he has still averaged a fairly sold 6.88 rating (per WhoScored).

Therefore, one can perhaps understand some criticism of the striker, especially when Jota has already grabbed seven goals in all competitions for Klopp’s side this season.

However, Firmino has been a big part of Liverpool’s success in recent years, having contributed 79 goals and 62 assists in 256 games for the club, so his importance cannot be underestimated.

Hopefully, the £64.8 million-rated man’s goal for Brazil will give his confidence a boost so that he can get back to scoring ways when he returns to Anfield after the international break.

Manchester United “missed the boat” by not signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, according to Carlton Palmer.

The former England international, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast correspondent Tom Ward, has praised the 20-year-old’s performances for club and country since he first arrived at Borussia Dortmund.

As revealed by The Athletic back in October, the Red Devils were embroiled in a hopeless pursuit of Sancho over the summer, as Dortmund refused to budge on their £108m valuation.

The London-born right winger has become an integral part of the Bundesliga giants since his move to Germany, whilst he was also selected as part of the front three for England to face the Republic of Ireland during an international friendly last month.

Palmer was effusive in his praise for Sancho and suggested United could have done with signing a speed demon like him in the summer. However, he also added a note of caution, as he questioned whether he would have been given enough game time to merit such a move.

He told FFC:

“They’ve missed the boat with Sancho, he’s a top player.

“But I mean, where were they going to play him? They’ve signed Donny van de Beek and he’s only played a handful of games since they signed him for big money – what was it, £40m, £50m?

“You don’t want to just sign players for the sake of signing players. You’ve got to sign the right players.”

As Palmer rightly pointed out, it’s worth remembering that although summer signing Donny van de Beek has played eight games in the Premier League so far this season; the majority of these appearances have come as a substitute from the bench.

Whether or not Sancho would have suffered the same fate is certainly up for debate, as Mason Greenwood sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a timely reminder of his obvious talents with a fine finish during the 3-1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium last night.

Sancho has bagged 30 goals and 41 assists in 86 Bundesliga games with Dortmund, whilst he has netted three times in 18 caps for his country, which is an impressive return.

Valued at €150m (£135m) via the CIES Football Observatory, in four appearances in the Champions League this season, the versatile midfielder has scored twice and supplied an assist, whilst he is averaging 1.5 shots, 2.8 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

Whilst some may point towards the emergence of Greenwood on the right wing over the past year or so as he found himself on the scoresheet against West Ham, there’s no doubt that Sancho would have been welcomed with open arms by Solskjaer at Old Trafford, who made him his top priority in the summer, but to no avail.

AND in other news, Forget Rashford: Paul Pogba steals the show as Manchester United fight back to beat West Ham…